Rosanero now lie four points behind Genoa with two games remaining, knowing that relegation to Serie B is now highly likely and Zamparini spoke of his heartbreak.

"If there was a camera in my house it would've also picked up my tears," he told Tuttosport, in reference to Fabrizio Miccolo's emotion on the pitch after the game.

The Italian knows what a difficult task it will be to stay up now, but insists they have not given up of survivial despite a tough trip to Fiorentina on Sunday.

"It will be very difficult to win against Palermo in Florence, as it will be difficult for Genoa to beat Inter. We have to try every way possible to escape finishing in the bottom three.

"I am working on some negotiations for the new investors by my side. Whether we remain in Serie A or end up in Serie B is very key in terms of potential investment progressing," he added.

And when questioned over the future of striker Fabrizio Miccoli, Zamparini admitted the decision was entirely down to the 33-year-old.

"Miccoli's future depends on him," he said. Soon I will meet him and give him an offer, which of course cannot be equivalent to what he earns now, especially if we went down to Serie B. He might accept my offer, we will see."

Failure to beat Fiorentina will almost certainly see Palermo banished to the second tier of Italian football for the first time since the 2003/04 campaign.